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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
December 11, 2024
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Lent

Forty days before the Triduum, the Lenten season disposes Catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery through prayer and penitential practices.

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

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Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Reading I : Matthew 21:1-11 (Procession with palms) | Isaiah 50:4-7

This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth. (Procession with palms) | The Lord God is my help.

  • The reading from Isaiah is part of the third Servant Song.
  • The song communicates the servant’s belief that, no matter how cruel or indifferent people are, God’s justice will prevail.
  • Suffering is never an end in itself.

Reading II : Philippians 2:6-11

Your attitude must be Christ’s.

  • Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written while Paul was in prison in Rome.
  • Despite being imprisoned, Paul expresses confidence and joy in the Lord.
  • Paul stresses that our salvation is Jesus’ kenosis, the Greek word for Jesus’ “emptying” of himself from glory.

Gospel : Matthew 26:14-27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54

The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • The Passion Narrative is among the earliest traditions to be handed down in written form.
  • In Matthew’s passion account, all the events proceed according to God’s will as revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures.
  • Jesus, the servant and Son of God, has poured himself out to overcome humanity's separation from God.